Current Public Health Issues and Targets

Obesity is a significant issue, with increasing prevalence in both children and adults. It can lead to a number of health complications, including heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
Mental health problems are common, affecting millions of people across the UK. Depression, anxiety, and addiction are particularly prevalent. Reduction of stigma and increasing mental health support are current priorities.
Ageing population and the associated rise in chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, dementia and type 2 diabetes is a pressing issue. A focus on prevention and lifestyle changes is currently being prioritized.

One of the top public health targets is reducing smoking rates. This involves focusing on prevention and cessation programs, as well as limiting exposure to secondhand smoke.
Increasing physical activity levels among individuals of all ages is a public health objective. The current target is for adults to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week, and for children and adolescents to engage in an hour of moderate to vigorous activity every day.
Improving dietary habits plays an integral role in preventing and managing health conditions like obesity, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The targets include reducing saturated fat, sugar, and salt intake, and increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fibre.
Preventing mental health problems and improving mental healthcare are key public health targets. This includes reducing waiting times for treatment, improving access to services, raising awareness, and reducing stigma associated with mental health.

Health promotion campaigns like Change4Life and Stoptober are employed to educate and encourage individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Prevention and early intervention strategies are being utilised to reduce the number of people developing chronic health conditions. Health checks, screenings and immunisations are examples of such strategies.
Policy changes, such as the sugar tax and restrictions on tobacco and alcohol marketing, are used to promote healthier behaviours.
Community-based initiatives, such as creating safe, accessible spaces for physical activity and ensuring availability of healthy food options are strategies aimed at addressing health inequalities and promoting healthier communities.